Who is a Judge Advocate General?

Apr 10, 2025

The Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps of the US Army is a legal body within the government and ranks among the nation’s largest legal institutions. JAG officers represent the Army and its personnel in all legal issues related to the military; they also offer crucial legal counsel to high-ranking Army leaders. Judge advocate generals are required to strive to achieve justice both domestically and internationally.

Judge advocates do not go through the basic training designed for enlisted Soldiers. Rather, they attend the Direct Commission Course (DCC), a six-week rigorous program focusing on physical training, weapons handling, and leadership skills to equip them for the role of an Officer. Once they finish the DCC, they will participate in the ten-and-a-half-week judge advocate basic training course. By engaging in both classroom learning and hands-on activities, they will delve into military law and gain comprehensive knowledge about the structure, operations, and objectives of the JAG Corps…